If you want to raise the quality of persuasive writing in your class, teach students to understand the other side of an argument, then write that into a persuasive letter or essay. Let's say a student is arguing that the town needs an additional school crossing guard at a busy intersection. Ask the student why somebody would take the opposing side. Students can list reasons, talk through the reasons with partners, but most of all should understand these reasons. If students understand the opposing argument, they're better able to argue their own side.

Oncetheyunderstandtheopposition,you can show students how they can insert these "other side" arguments into a persuasive piece. For example, with the above argument, a student might say, "I know what you're thinking. Crossing guards cost the town more money. But aren't our children worth it?" In just those few sentences the writer shows an understanding of the opposing side and has come up with an emotional appeal for his own argument.

Here are some phrases students might use to transition to "other side" arguments.

"I know what you're thinking."

"You may say that..."

"You may think that..."

"I know that some people are saying..."

"I'm aware that there's another side."

Study some good persuasive writing for more examples of understanding the "other side" of an argument.